Right Choices

Jesus wants us to be happy. He created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden. He then gave them instructions to follow if they wished to maintain their happy existence. This happiness did not last forever. Through some unwise choices, Eve found herself in rebellion against God’s requirements. These were all choices she made. She knew God’s will, but she chose to go against it. And what was the result? “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;” Gen. 3:16, 17

Here is now introduced a new element that never existed before on earth. The element of sorrow. What is sorrow? It is, “distress caused by loss, affliction or disappointment.” Did Adam and Eve lose anything? Yes, they did. They lost their innocence, they lost their home, they lost the ability to have direct communication with Jesus, and they lost their supreme happiness.

Since that time, mankind has been seeking for happiness in various ways. Everyone wants to be happy and many are choosing their own ways to find happiness, rather than asking God for His way. People are spending a lot of money trying to find happiness. They think that riches and material wealth can bring them happiness, so they bend all their energies into amassing great wealth, only to find that it increases their worry. Either they have less time to enjoy their wealth since they are working long hours, or they worry that someone would steal something.

Others are trying to find happiness in a spouse. If only they could be married then they would be supremely happy, they say. This is often the case with young people in the church as they approach the age of marriage. They get frustrated at the ‘limited’ availability of eligible spouses in the church and so feel they must take matters into their own hands and look outside of the church. Surely they can convert their new spouse. However, when we take matters into our own hands, making our own choices, rather than consulting God as to what His will is, it ends up in disaster, as we see in the case of Jacob. He made the choice to deceive his father in order to obtain the birthright. He made the wrong choice, and it brought him great sorrow that affected him for the rest of his life.

We need to trust in God to bring about circumstances for our best interest and happiness. He can provide a spouse any time – from inside the church. He often waits until the person will no longer make a spouse an idol – when they can be content to live with or without a spouse – then He will provide if He feels it is best for the person’s salvation.
What many don’t understand is that happiness is a choice. We can choose to let outward circumstances disturb our peace, or we can connect with Christ and choose to live life according to His plan and we will have inner peace and joy. The choices we make affect our happiness. We cannot blame anyone else if we choose to go against God’s will and find we are not filled with joy. Choosing God’s way will always result in the fullness of joy.

Solomon was one of those who thought happiness comes from wealth and spouses. God blessed him with wealth because, in his younger years, he was not seeking wealth. Rather he was seeking wisdom. In his younger years he did not abuse his wealth, but gave generously for the building of the temple. In his later years he made many wrong choices. He did not choose to live his life according to God’s will and became careless, taking many wives and wasting his wealth, building heathen temples for his wives. Solomon was not a happy man. At the end of his life he wrote in Ecclesiastes about his view of happiness.

“It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart. Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a man to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool: this also is vanity.” Eccl. 7:2-6

Is he trying to tell us it is a sin to be happy? Are we expected to be filled with sorrow? This is how the world looks at Christianity – as a band of mourners, living a very unhappy existence. Solomon had experienced everything that his money could buy, but it did not buy him happiness. It was all vanity to him. He found no lasting joy in the things of the world. In these verses he is talking about frivolity. It does not strengthen character. The laughter of the foolish is meaningless. No, it is not a sin to be happy.

There are two types of sorrow mentioned in the Bible. “For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.” 2 Cor. 7:10

GODLY SORROW

This sorrow is not the sorrow of having our sins discovered after making wrong choices and fearing punishment. It is genuine sorrow for sin, repentance of it, separation from it, and determination from here on out to resist, by the grace of Christ, the temptation that led to sin. This is the kind of sorrow King David experienced after his sin with Bathsheba. “And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” 2 Sam 12:13. Also after he numbered Israel. “And David’s heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the LORD, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O LORD, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.” 2 Sam 24:10.

In godly sorrow there is recognition of, and admission that one has wronged God and his fellow men. Adequate efforts are made to right the wrong, and a reorientation of the life is made, with the purpose of making the right decision in the future so as to not repeat the mistakes. This entire process is possible only by the grace of Christ through the Holy Spirit. True sorrow for sin is the result of recognizing one’s accountability to God for his conduct.

We have a comparison between godly sorrow and the sorrow of the world in the lives of Peter and Judas. “And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, which said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And he went out, and wept bitterly.” Mat. 26:75.

And…
“Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood.” Mat. 27:3,4.

Both felt bitter remorse, but with the one there was true sorrow for sin, which led to a new life in Christ; with the other there was only sorrow for the consequences, which led to utter despair and then suicide.

WORLDLY SORROW

Worldly sorrow is simply sorrow for the consequences of sin rather than for the sin itself. It is disturbed at being discredited before the world and their friends. If there were no consequences, the sinner would still choose to continue in the path they are walking.

The nation of Israel was not happy with the fact that they were told that their beloved city would be destroyed on account of their choice to sin. Therefore Jeremiah rebuked them, “Why criest thou for thine affliction? thy sorrow is incurable for the multitude of thine iniquity: because thy sins were increased, I have done these things unto thee.” Jer. 30:15

In the time of the end, many who made wrong choices in life will suddenly confess when they realize they are lost. It is then too late. “Those professed Christians who come up to that last fearful conflict unprepared will, in their despair, confess their sins in words of burning anguish, while the wicked exult over their distress. These confessions are of the same character as was that of Esau or of Judas. Those who make them, lament the result of transgression, but not its guilt. They feel no true contrition, no abhorrence of evil. They acknowledge their sin, through fear of punishment; but, like Pharaoh of old, they would return to their defiance of Heaven should the judgments be removed.” GC 620

Does alcohol bring sorrow? Many young people think it brings happiness. They want to go out and have a good time, they think they must consume alcohol in order to have complete happiness.

“Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes?” Pro. 23:29. Ask the alcoholic if he is happy. Is he content to have his whole existence consumed in the pursuit of his addiction? All his time and money are spent for the indulgence of this evil vice? The trouble is that many are strongly addicted when they realize they need help and it is a difficult process to give up this habit.

The youth who see no danger are only fooling themselves. Making the wrong choices today, can lead to great unhappiness in the future.

PAUL’S CHOICE

Paul made a choice to follow Jesus, not worrying about consequences. He went through many difficult times. “Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.” 2 Cor. 11:24-27

However he said that he took pleasure in infirmities? Was he in his right mind?
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” 2 Cor 12:9, 10

Paul and Silas sang while in prison with their feet in stocks.
“And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Acts. 16:22-25.

The jailer and his family were baptized because they saw Jesus living in the hearts of Paul and Silas. They had peace that he didn’t have and he wanted it.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Phil 4:11-13

Paul made a decision to follow Jesus, no matter what the consequences would be. Satan tried in many ways to disturb his happiness so that he would cut his connection with Jesus, however Paul refused to let go. He had made a choice to follow Jesus and in the eyes of the world he may have appeared to be foolish, “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;” 1 Cor. 1:27. Paul was a happy man.

JESUS’ CHOICE

Jesus made His choice to do His Father’s will while He was living on this earth. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42.

Jesus submitted to His Father’s will. “Christ’s earthly life, so full of toil and sacrifice, was cheered by the thought that He would not have all His travail for nought. By giving His life for the life of men, He would win the world back to its loyalty. Although the baptism of blood must first be received, although the sins of the world were to weigh upon His innocent soul, yet, for the joy that was set before Him, He chose to endure the cross and despised the shame.” 8T 209

TRIALS

“For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;” Phil 1:29. Is God being fair when He permits His followers to suffer and be buffeted by the evil one? Would He not want to protect His followers? Who would want to serve a God that allows His followers to suffer? As parents we try to protect our children from suffering, would not God want that from us? God has a reason for it all. His love is seen in every experience He puts us through. A remnant will choose to follow the Lord because they can see God’s will working through any suffering that they experience. They see the love of God in it all.

There are several reasons for trials. First of all there is personal cleansing and character development. Often our own sins have brought us the suffering and the Lord allows us to suffer to show us the plague spots in our character. At the beginning of her ministry, Sister White prayed that the Lord would keep her humble. She received assurance from the Lord that if there was danger of her becoming proud, He would afflict her with illness. Towards the latter end of her life, she was not sick as often. She had learned the lessons of humility.

Secondly there is suffering for the benefit of the salvation of others. In the Dark Ages, is it said that the blood of the martyrs was the seed of the Christian church. How were those martyrs acting while burning at the stake or being fed to wild beasts? They were often heard singing and praying. They died with smiles on their faces. They chose to follow Jesus’ plan for their happiness.

Job’s suffering, also, was not caused by a personal sin of his, but he suffered for the benefit of others. He trusted God and by choosing to serve Him had to suffer. But the joy of the Lord far outweighed the trials. He knew that, “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” Neh 8:10. He had confidence in God. He said, “the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21.

Remembering that the word “blessed” means “happy”, we read, “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.” Mat. 5:11, 12 The apostles found this true joy in doing the will of God, regardless of the circumstances. “And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” Acts 5:41 “But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” 1 Peter 4:13, 16.

“In all ages Satan has persecuted the people of God. He has tortured them and put them to death, but in dying they became conquerors. They revealed in their steadfast faith a mightier One than Satan. Satan could torture and kill the body, but he could not touch the life that was hid with Christ in God. He could incarcerate in prison walls, but he could not bind the spirit. They could look beyond the gloom to the glory, saying, ‘I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.’ ‘Our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.’ Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17.” MB 30

“And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;” Romans 5:3. Paul explains how God’s plan of righteousness by faith brings peace and joy not only in times of prosperity but also in times of distress and trial. The hope of future glory and endurance of present troubles go together. The word patience here used is from a Greek word that does not suggest only a passive resistance to evil; a calm resignation to inevitable suffering. Rather it means an active virtue, a courageous perseverance and persistence that cannot be shaken by fear of evil or danger. A better translation would have been fortitude, or endurance. The result is patience and endurance.
“God has shown me that He gave His people a bitter cup to drink, to purify and cleanse them. It is a bitter draught, and they can make it still more bitter by murmuring, complaining, and repining. But those who receive it thus must have another draught, for the first does not have its designed effect upon the heart. And if the second does not effect the work, then they must have another, and another, until it does have its designed effect, or they will be left filthy, impure in heart. I saw that this bitter cup can be sweetened by patience, endurance, and prayer, and that it will have its designed effect upon the hearts of those who thus receive it, and God will be honoured and glorified. It is no small thing to be a Christian and to be owned and approved of God.” EW 47

TRUE JOY

“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;” James 1:2. This word “temptations” in Greek includes also, afflictions, poverty, persecution and calamity. It is a privilege and duty for the Christian to have an intelligent attitude towards the tests and trials that God allows in His permissive will. To the true Christians, trials bring no disappointments or discouragements. Christian joy is not based on external circumstances but on faith in God’s providence and an intelligent understanding of His plan in dealing with men.

The Lord wants us to have joy. What is the difference between joy and happiness? Happiness is dependent on outward circumstances. Joy is an inner peace. We can experience joy even in sorrow – in the absence of happiness. Happiness is an emotion – it comes and it goes. Joy is a peaceful abiding trust in God that will not be changeable in any circumstance. Joy can be maintained only by the choice we make in surrendering ourselves to Jesus.

“It is our duty to be very jealous for the glory of God and to bring no evil report, even by the sadness of the countenance or by ill-advised words, as if the requirements of God were a restriction upon our liberty. Even in this world of sorrow, disappointment, and sin the Lord desires us to be cheerful, and strong in His strength. The whole person is privileged to bear a decided testimony in every line. In features, in temper, in words, in character, we are to witness that the service of God is good. Thus we proclaim that ‘the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul.’ Psalm 19:7.” 6T 365

“For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance.” Hebrews 10:34 They were happy when their goods were spoiled. Their material goods were not an idol for them.

“A union with Christ by living faith is enduring; every other union must perish. Christ first chose us, paying an infinite price for our redemption; and the true believer chooses Christ as first and last and best in everything. But this union costs us something. It is a union of utter dependence, to be entered into by a proud being. All who form this union must feel their need of the atoning blood of Christ. They must have a change of heart. They must submit their own will to the will of God. There will be a struggle with outward and internal obstacles. There must be a painful work of detachment as well as a work of attachment. Pride, selfishness, vanity, worldliness–sin in all its forms–must be overcome if we would enter into a union with Christ. The reason why many find the Christian life so deplorably hard, why they are so fickle, so variable, is that they try to attach themselves to Christ without first detaching themselves from these cherished idols.

“After the union with Christ has been formed, it can be preserved only by earnest prayer and untiring effort. We must resist, we must deny, we must conquer self. Through the grace of Christ, by courage, by faith, by watchfulness, we may gain the victory.” 5T 231

SORROW TURNED TO JOY

We will never suffer more than Jesus did and when we get to heaven, our sorrow will be turned to joy. “In his neck remaineth strength, and sorrow is turned into joy before him.” Job 41:22

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” John 16:20 To the youth, it may appear that their friends in the world are having more happiness, but in the end, they will receive their reward and their rejoicing will turn to sorrow, while it will be the opposite for the follower of Christ. Their sorrow will be turned into joy.

“And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” Isaiah 35:10

“God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end from the beginning, and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him. Not Enoch, who was translated to heaven, not Elijah, who ascended in a chariot of fire, was greater or more honoured than John the Baptist, who perished alone in the dungeon. ‘Unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake.’ Phil. 1:29. And of all the gifts that Heaven can bestow upon men, fellowship with Christ in His sufferings is the most weighty trust and the highest honor.” DA 224

“A few words more to the church members. Said Christ: ‘If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’ We are not to make crosses for ourselves, by wearing sackcloth, by pinching our bodies, or by denying ourselves wholesome, nourishing food. We are not to shut ourselves in monasteries, away from the world, and do no good to our fellow beings, thinking this is the cross of Christ; neither are we required to expose health and life unnecessarily, nor to go mourning up the hill of Christian life, feeling it a sin to be cheerful, contented, happy, and joyful. These are all self-made crosses, but not the cross of Christ.” 4T 626

“Those who look within for comfort will become weary and disappointed. A sense of our weakness and unworthiness should lead us with humility of heart to plead the atoning sacrifice of Christ. As we rely upon His merits we shall find rest and peace and joy. He saves to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him.” 5T 200

“Rejoice evermore.” 1 Thess. 5:16
It is not just choosing once. Each day we are making choices, some small, some big. Each small choice is either for Jesus or for Satan. Weigh carefully the choices you make in life. The small choices will mould your character. They will either lead to everlasting joy or everlasting contempt – the second death When Jesus comes, even the wicked will acknowledge the fact that they are not in heaven because of the choices they made in life. It was not God’s fault at all. They themselves are to blame. “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,…And every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Phil. 2:10,11.

May God help us to experience the true joy there is in serving the Lord, by choosing today to surrender our lives completely to the Lord, not worrying about the consequences because Jesus said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” Heb. 13:5,6. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” Psalm 30:5
AMEN

Wendy Eaton, Australia